Question:

Can chickenpox be treated?

Answer:

Yes.

For most health children, chickenpox symptoms can be controlled with soothing baths or antihistamines to decrease itching. Acetaminophen may help control fever, headache, or muscle pain. Do not give aspirin to children with chickenpox, because this can increase the child's risk of Reye syndrome.

A prescription drug called acyclovir is FDA approved to treat the symptoms of chickenpox in persons older than age 2. The drug should help reduce the severity of chickenpox symptoms, especially in older children and teenagers, if taken within 24 hours of the rash's first appearance. However, this drug is generally only used in severe cases of chickenpox and in patients who have weakened immune systems, such as persons with cancer and who have had an organ transplant.

A vaccine to prevent chickenpox is available for children over age 1.

For detailed information, see the article on chickenpox.